Layer feed formula (peak production) — 100 kg and 1 tonne batch
A worked least-cost layer ration for hens in peak lay, solved against the reference peak specification. Mix per the 100 kg or 1 tonne column, then re-solve with your own raw-material prices before purchasing.
Short answer · solved with the FeedMatch least-cost engine
A peak-production layer ration is a maize/soybean-meal base carrying a very high calcium load — 3.8–4.5% Ca from limestone, of which roughly two thirds should be coarse particle limestone fed for shell quality. Targets are 17.5% crude protein, 2,750 kcal/kg ME, 0.85% lysine and 0.40% available phosphorus.
Mixing sheet — 100 kg and 1 tonne
| Ingredient | Inclusion % | kg per 100 kg | kg per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize / corn | 63.90 | 63.90 | 639.0 |
| Soybean meal 48% | 24.32 | 24.32 | 243.2 |
| Limestone | 8.75 | 8.75 | 87.5 |
| Dicalcium phosphate | 1.66 | 1.66 | 16.6 |
| Sunflower meal 34% | 0.84 | 0.84 | 8.4 |
| Salt (NaCl) | 0.35 | 0.35 | 3.5 |
| DL-Methionine | 0.18 | 0.18 | 1.8 |
| Total | 100.00 | 100.00 | 1,000.0 |
Indicative least-cost value at reference raw-material prices: USD 299 per tonne (USD 29.94 per 100 kg). Reference prices are global indications — re-solve with your delivered prices in the feed formulation calculator for a market-accurate cost.
Nutrient summary vs specification
| Nutrient | Formula | Target | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolisable energy | 2,750 | min 2,750 | kcal/kg |
| Crude protein | 17.50 | min 17.5 | % |
| Crude fat | 2.81 | — | % |
| Crude fibre | 2.54 | max 6 | % |
| Calcium | 3.80 | 3.8–4.5 | % |
| Available phosphorus | 0.40 | min 0.4 | % |
| Lysine | 0.90 | min 0.85 | % |
| Methionine | 0.47 | min 0.42 | % |
| Methionine + cystine | 0.75 | min 0.75 | % |
| Threonine | 0.65 | min 0.6 | % |
| Sodium | 0.16 | min 0.16 | % |
Composition values are typical published reference values (as-fed basis). Verify against supplier certificates of analysis and a qualified nutritionist before commercial use.
How to use this ration
- Split the limestone: about one third fine and two thirds coarse (2–4 mm) to support overnight shell formation.
- Layer feed intake is roughly 110–115 g/hen/day; 10,000 hens consume about 1.13 tonnes per day.
- Reduce the calcium to pullet levels (0.9–1.2%) before onset of lay — feeding peak-layer calcium to growing pullets damages kidneys.
Get quotes for the 7 ingredients in this formula
We pre-fill the RFQ with every raw material, its 100 kg and 1-tonne batch quantity, the inclusion percentage and the calculated cost of $299/tonne — so suppliers quote against the exact ration you are mixing.
- Maize / corn
- Soybean meal 48%
- Limestone
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Sunflower meal 34%
- Salt (NaCl)
- DL-Methionine
Frequently asked questions
- What is the protein percentage in layer feed?
- Peak-production layer feed is normally 16.5–18% crude protein. This formula is solved at a 17.5% CP minimum with 0.85% lysine.
- How much calcium does layer feed need?
- 3.8–4.5% calcium at peak lay, rising toward 4.0–4.8% in late lay as shell quality declines. That is roughly 10–12% limestone inclusion.
- How much layer feed per 1,000 birds per day?
- About 110–115 kg per 1,000 hens per day at peak, so roughly 3.4 tonnes per 1,000 hens per month.
- Can layer feed be made without a premix?
- No. The vitamin-trace-mineral premix supplies vitamin D3, manganese, zinc and selenium that cereals and oilseed meals cannot provide at the levels laying hens need.